Spilak wins rainy stage; Rogers holds on to Romandie lead

Simon Spilak (Lampre) claimed the fourth stage of the 2010 Tour de Romandie on Saturday, soloing to win the rain-soaked stage.

Slovak sensation Peter Sagan (Liquigas) beat Philippe Gilbert (Omega Pharma-Lotto) in the sprint for second, although by the way Sagan raised his arms as he crossed the line he must have missed the news that Spilak had won 13 second previously.

Race leader Michael Rogers (HTC-Columbia) maintained his position at the top of the overall classification. His closest rival, Alejandro Valverde (Caisse d'Epargne) finished fifith and is just one second behind Rogers on GC.

Spilak's stage win moved him up to third overall, five seconds adrift of Rogers.

British sprinter Mark Cavendish (HTC-Columbia) did not start stage four as his team had withdrawn him from the race as a result of his two-finger salute on stage two. The Manxman stuck his fingers up as he crossed the line to win the stage on Thursday, a gesture which evidently did not sit well with HTC-Columbia.

Sunday's final stage of the five-day Swiss event features three first category climbs - the fight for the overall classification is far from over.

RESULTS

Tour de Romandie 2010, stage four: Vevey-Chatel

1. Simon Spilak (Slo) Lampre-Farnese Vini 157.9km in 4-05-25

2. Peter Sagan (Svk) Liquigas-Doimo at 13secs

3. Philippe Gilbert (Bel) Omega Pharma-Lotto at same time

Overall classification

1. Michael Rogers (Aus) HTC-Columbia

2. Alejandro Valverde (Spa) Caisse d'Epargne at 1sec

3. Simon Spilak (Slo) Lampre-Farnese Vini at 5secs

Simon Spilak goes solo in wet conditions to take the stage win

Peter Sagan celebrates his second place

Michael Rogers retained the race lead over second-placed Alejandro Valverde

Related links

Cavendish withdrawn from Romandie by team